When renting a property as furnished in the UK, there are certain expectations and legal requirements you must meet to ensure the property is suitable and safe for tenants. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to provide and consider:

Basic Requirements:

1. Furniture and Furnishings:
   • Living Room: Sofa, chairs, coffee table, TV stand.
   • Dining Area: Table and chairs.
   • Bedrooms: Beds with mattresses, wardrobes or built-in closets, bedside tables.
   • Kitchen: Essential appliances (e.g., fridge/freezer, cooker/oven, microwave), and basic kitchenware (e.g., pots, pans, utensils).
   • Bathroom: Shower curtain or screen, storage units (if applicable).
2. Appliances:
   • White Goods: Fridge/freezer, washing machine, cooker/oven, dishwasher (if applicable).
   • Small Appliances: Kettle, toaster, microwave (though not legally required, these are often expected).

Safety and Compliance:

1. Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations:
   • All upholstered furniture, cushions, and mattresses must comply with fire safety regulations. They should have labels indicating they meet the standards.
2. Electrical Safety:
   • All electrical appliances provided must be safe to use. Conduct regular checks and maintain records of safety tests.
   • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): While not legally required, it’s good practice to have all portable electrical appliances tested regularly.
3. Gas Safety:
   • If the property has gas appliances, you must provide a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) from a registered Gas Safe engineer, renewed annually.
4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
   • Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of the property.
   • Carbon monoxide detectors are required in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g., wood-burning stove).
5. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
   • Provide a valid EPC with a rating of E or above, showing the property’s energy efficiency.

Other Considerations:

1. Inventory and Condition Report:
   • Prepare a detailed inventory listing all items included in the rental, along with their condition. This should be signed by both the landlord and the tenant at the start of the tenancy to avoid disputes later.
2. Maintenance and Repairs:
   • Ensure all provided furniture and appliances are in good working order and repair any issues promptly to maintain the property’s habitability.
3. Tenancy Agreement:
   • Clearly outline in the tenancy agreement what is included in the furnished rental to manage tenant expectations and responsibilities.
4. Optional Extras:
   • Depending on the target market, consider adding extra items like:
     • Soft Furnishings: Curtains, blinds, rugs.
     • Household Items: Iron, ironing board, vacuum cleaner.
     • Decor: Lamps, pictures, mirrors, to make the property more attractive.

Conclusion:

Providing a furnished rental property in the UK involves more than just adding furniture. You must ensure all items meet safety standards and legal requirements while also making the property comfortable and appealing for tenants. Proper documentation, such as inventories and safety certificates, will help protect both you and your tenants, ensuring a smooth and transparent rental experience.